Elon Musk is said to be pursuing legal action against a documentary that recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where director Alex Gibney was criticized by Musk on social media. The documentary, titled Musk, received a standing ovation at its debut and delves into Musk’s controversial career as a tech mogul and his connections with influential figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Described as a nearly four-hour long film, Musk has been labeled as a deep examination of the world’s wealthiest man, with critics from The Guardian and Deadline calling Musk “petty,” “narcissistic,” and detached from personal relationships. The documentary is scheduled to make its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14.
Musk had previously criticized the documentary as a “hit piece” when it was announced in 2023 and has continued to express his displeasure with the film on social media, calling it “boring” and questioning Gibney’s credibility. Musk’s lawyer has issued a legal notice to the production, demanding a review of the facts presented in the film.
Jigsaw Productions, the company behind the documentary, defended its accuracy and emphasized the importance of free speech in scrutinizing influential figures like Musk. The film, directed by Gibney, traces Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in various tech companies and his controversial involvement with political figures.
The documentary highlights Musk’s involvement in Tesla and its self-driving technology, focusing on the company’s safety claims and legal challenges. Interviews with individuals close to Musk, including Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard and his ex-wife Justine Musk, provide insights into Musk’s personal and professional life.
The film also explores Musk’s relationship with Trump and his impact on governmental decisions, such as restructuring the U.S. Agency for International Development. Musk’s former partner, Ashley St. Clair, raised concerns at the Venice Film Festival regarding an alleged non-disclosure agreement offer, which Musk denied.
The documentary is set for a theatrical release in North America, starting on October 16, with a wider distribution planned for October 23.